Over the hedge: The coolest dad to stop by day care

Little Paul was awestruck by the uniform worn by another boy's father.

August 8, 2008

When one of my home day-care charges, Paul, was 4 years old, another boy's father came in to drop off his son on his way to work. The dad was decked out in a full police officer's uniform with his hat on and accessories on his belt. Paul was wonder-struck; he couldn't take his eyes off the other boy's dad until he was out the door.

Then Paul dropped his head down, looking very dejected. I asked him why he was so sad. He answered softly, "My dad is not anything – not anything at all. He's just a lawyer."

• Contribute to this column by telling us about a humorous, touching, or surprising incident that you observed or participated in. E-mailliving@csmonitor.com. Please include your name, location, and contact information.